MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

12.6.2006

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by André Brie
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania

B6‑0343/2006

European Parliament resolution on the preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Monitoring Report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania (COM(2006) 214 final),

–  having regard to its relevant resolutions and reports since the beginning of the accession negotiations,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the European Commission in its monitoring report notes that Bulgaria and Romania have made significant improvements since the Commission's last report,

B.  whereas progress in a limited number of areas has still not been completely satisfactory,

C.  whereas the Commission concluded that Bulgaria and Romania should be prepared for membership by 1 January 2007, provided that they address a number of outstanding issues,

D.  whereas the Commission will present further monitoring reports on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania at the beginning of October 2006,

E.  whereas the European Parliament has expressed the clear wish to see Romania and Bulgaria join the Union on 1 January 2007 in so far as the conditions laid down in the Treaty of Accession are fulfilled by each of those two countries,

1.  Welcomes the generally positive, but in parts critical assessment of Bulgaria's and Romania's progress towards accession in the Commission's 2006 monitoring report;

2.  Stresses that the Bulgarian and Romanian governments must be aware of the need to fully use the remaining months and make a further effort to meet the requirements for achieving full EU membership by 1 January 2007;

3.  Expresses its concern at the information that the territory of Bulgaria and Romania was used by the CIA as a base for arranging disappearances, secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers - as is the case with many other countries in Europe and outside; calls on Bulgaria and Romania to review their bilateral agreements signed with the United States to ensure that they are in full conformity with EU and international human rights standards;

4.  Reiterates that the overcoming of economic and social differences between the 'old' and the 'new' and future Member States is the most significant challenge for the European Union, which can be met only through common solidarity and cooperation on the basis of equal rights; deplores the fact that despite the enormous economic and social problems in the 'new' and future Member States the new financial perspective does not respond adequately to this challenge; expresses its concern about the consequences, e.g. the deepening of inequality between current and future Member States;

5.  Is aware that a decision on the accession of each country will be taken on its own merits and achievements, but is convinced that on the basis of the progress achieved so far by both countries, and their activities for achieving further progress in the next few months, Bulgaria and Romania can enter the European Union together and on the same date;

6.  Maintains that it is Parliament’s wish to see Romania and Bulgaria join the European Union on 1 January 2007 in so far as the conditions laid down in the Treaty of Accession are fulfilled by each of these two countries;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the governments and parliaments of Bulgaria and Romania.